Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system that occurs in patients of different ages.
Modern medicine defines several places of localization of the disease, in connection with which such a concept as osteochondrosis of the thoracic region appeared.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process, the localization of which is the interval from 8 to 19 vertebrae, which forms the thoracic spine of a person.
Unlike other types of the disease, symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and old people.
A feature of the disease is the complexity of its early diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and the difficulty of identifying the main symptoms. For this reason, when detecting the first signs of chest osteochondrosis, it is important to consult a specialist in a timely manner in order to prevent irreversible processes.
Causes
The main reason for the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the course of dystrophic processes (violation of cellular metabolism), transforming tissues and provoking complications of metabolic actions, which is caused by an insufficiently balanced diet and improper load on the intervertebral discs.
In addition, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing breast osteochondrosis includes:
- the presence of intervertebral hernias;
- violation of the blood supply to the spinal cord;
- violation of the mineral balance in the body;
- regularly increased stress on the spine;
- predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- the consequences of the trauma suffered;
- engaging in active sports.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Chest pain with osteochondrosis is the main symptom of the clinical picture. However, considering the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, one can also distinguish:
- shortness of breath, chest tightness;
- the difficulty of performing inclinations;
- periodic occurrence of a feeling of freezing of the extremities due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, impaired digestive processes;
- pain that can be easily confused with that that accompanies cardiovascular disease;
- soreness of the mammary glands in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The manifestation of several symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine require immediate consultation and a full examination by a specialist in order to formulate an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
Stages of development of the disease
Specialists distinguish three main stages in the development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Stage 1 - the beginning of the development of the disease. It is characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis of the first stage:
- barely perceptible, light painful lumbago, accompanied by a pulling pain in the chest. The unpleasant sensations intensify after strenuous work or lifting weights;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscle frame for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the region of the heart.
Seeing a doctor at the initial stage of the disease guarantees a complete cure of the disease.
Stage 2 - the progress of the disease leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which becomes the reason for the limitation of mobility and the appearance of strong pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually noticeable deformation of the spinal column;
- lowering pressure;
- accompanying an attempt to put the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of tiredness;
- discomfort in the region of the heart and the spinal column of the thoracic region.
If a disease is detected at this stage, the process of health restoration may require a fairly long period of time.
Stage 3 - a running process that has a negative effect on the entire body as a whole.
There are such dangerous manifestations as:
- limitation of the mobility of the spine;
- sharp pain sensations;
- the appearance of intervertebral hernias;
- pinching of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- diseases of the biliary tract.
Refusal to treat breast osteochondrosis at this stage can lead to disability.
How to treat chest osteochondrosis?
Before determining how to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, it is important to visit a specialist. Diagnosis of the disease should only be carried out by a specialist. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neuropathologist, after a high-quality examination.
The key rule of starting treatment for chest osteochondrosis is getting rid of pain. Today, there are several optimal treatment options. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment of chest osteochondrosis is used in medical practice quite often, both at the stage of exacerbation and after it, in order to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, physiotherapy methods are used, such as:
- drug electrophoresis - the combined effect of direct current and drugs;
- UHF therapy - exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields;
- magnetotherapy is an alternative medicine that involves the use of a constant or alternating magnetic field;
- phonophoresis of drugs - the introduction of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- detensor therapy - relaxation of the muscular frame of the spine using a specialized mattress / mat.
It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapeutic methods for treating a degenerative disease, the stage of its development is taken into account. Inappropriate use of physiotherapeutic treatment can aggravate the situation and exclude the likelihood of prolonged remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Massage is one of the most effective methods of non-drug treatment of chest osteochondrosis.
Providing a reflex massage effect provides a positive effect on the affected area of the spinal column, which provokes a positive dynamics of treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the chest requires a special approach to massage. The muscle fibers of this zone have a special threshold of action.
The positive effect of massage procedures is manifested in:
- reducing the level of pain;
- improving blood circulation at the site of localization of the disease;
- elimination of muscle spasms;
- increasing the strength of the muscles of the arms;
- increasing the mobility of the spinal column and starting the regenerative processes of the cartilaginous tissue.
Among the basic principles of massage of the thoracic region, it is worth highlighting:
- the beginning of the session should be carried out with light strokes, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- during the massage, it is recommended to use squeezing movements, rubbing and patting;
- each movement must be repeated 4-5 times;
- movements should be carried out along a single trajectory: from the shoulder blades - to the neck, up;
- each side of the thoracic region must be worked out separately.
Exercise therapy for chest osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy (therapeutic physical culture) provides an opportunity for high-quality support for the optimal tone of the back muscle frame and helps relieve soreness of the paravertebral muscles.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective at the initial stages of the development of the disease.
When doing gymnastics, it is important to take into account and adhere to the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, including:
- systematic repetition for several months;
- the duration of the lesson should not exceed half an hour;
- gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis should be performed without the use of additional equipment;
- you should only work in comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account existing contraindications.
Among the absolute contraindications are:
- acute cardiac pathologies;
- increased body temperature (more than 37. 6 ° C);
- oncological diseases;
- instability of the mental state;
- dermatological diseases;
- high blood pressure.
Consultation with a neurologist, combined with a reasonable, competent approach to classes, ensures the successful achievement of remission at various stages of the disease.
Medications
Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is carried out by taking pills, a course of injections, suppositories or using ointments / gels.
Treatment with drugs is carried out for several months. In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated by surgery.
Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to reduce pain and relieve inflammatory processes occurring in the nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and can cause irreparable harm. Consultation of a specialist is required.
Glucorticosteroids
Due to the fact that the drugs are hormonal, their intake must be agreed with the attending physician. Otherwise, irreparable harm can be caused to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
Taking vitamins improves metabolic processes in the nervous tissue.
In order to resume high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
Medicines, the reception of which ensures the restoration of elasticity and shock-absorbing functions of the intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dosage of taking funds for chest osteochondrosis is determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They contribute to the relaxation of the muscle frame and help get rid of the problem of persistent spasms, launching the recovery processes of chest osteochondrosis.
Nutrition
Therapeutic treatment of any disease involves adherence to the basics of a balanced diet.
The diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down pathological processes and helps to accelerate the healing process.
Nutritional correction involves an increase in the diet of the proportion of products containing natural chondroprotectors that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
It is important to note that dietary nutrition in degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the full value of the diet and adherence to the drinking regime.
Without fail, the diet should include foods containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, vitamins of group B, C.
It is also necessary to limit the level of consumption of strong tea and coffee, as well as give up bad habits.
It is recommended to completely exclude from the diet of various kinds of semi-finished products, fresh baked goods, as well as margarine and carbonated drinks with a high sugar content.
Prophylaxis
In order to prevent the appearance or prevent exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to carry out a number of preventive measures at regular intervals, including:
- rejection of bad habits;
- adherence to the principles of proper, balanced nutrition;
- tracking the safest and most comfortable position for the spine while walking, running, sitting;
- ensuring comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- organization of exercise, according to the recommended sets of exercises for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis.
The comfort of a person's daily life is largely determined by his health.
When the first symptoms of a spinal disease appear, seek advice from a specialist who will help diagnose the disease and select the correct course of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.